In the summer John and I visited Washington, D.C. and saw many of the city's famous landmarks including the National Mall, where we walked to the White House, passed the Washington Monument and up the hill to the Capitol building.  We also visited several memorials and the Smithsonian museums and one morning we enjoyed a stroll around Georgetown. 

As a fun experiment I've compiled a short video clip of my impressions of Washington and I've also listed a few restaurants which we particularly enjoyed.

National Mall

In the middle of the city is the National Mall, a tree lined park surrounded by museums and popular landmarks.

The US. Capitol

Standing at the east end of the Mall is the US Capitol, which houses both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

US Capitol in Washington DC

 

 

 

Situated at the top of Capitol Hill the building looks very grand and elegant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

walking past the south wing of the US Capitol

 

 

 

 

We walked through the gardens past the sweeping lawns

 

 

 

 

 

 

to the back of the south wing, where the House of Representatives convenes.

back of the south wing where the House of Representatives convenes

 

US Capitol building at night

At dusk with lanterns glowing in the dome it looks just as imposing as it does during the daytime.

Washington Monument 

is in the centre of the Mall.

The Washington Monument

Completed in 1884 is rises up in a straight line between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial.

White House

North of the Monument at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is one of the most famous houses in the world

The north view of the White House

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flowers bloom around the fountain on the south lawn of the White House

South view of the White House

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Memorials

The World War II Memorial World War II memorial in Washington D.C.

 

 

 

 

Opened in 2004 this memorial lies in the middle of the Mall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In between two huge arches representing the Atlantic and the Pacific is a large pool containing a variety of fountains.

The Atlantic Arch of the Second World War memorial in Washington

Korean War Veterans Memorials

Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington in the National Mall

 

 

This evocative memorial depicts 19 battleclad seven foot tall soldiers trudging through a field.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lincoln Memorial

At the western boundary of the Mall is the Lincoln Memorial.

The Lincoln Memorial on the western boundary of the Mall in Washington

The 19 foot high marble statue of Abraham Lincoln peers out over the Reflecting Pool towards the Monument.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

the FDR memorial is totally wheelchair friendly.

Situated in the West Potomac Park this memorial honours the President who led America through the Great Depression and World War II.

At the Roosevelt memorial on the banks of the Potomac river

The galleries combine waterfalls, sculptures and giant walls engraved with quotations.

John next to the waterfalls at the FDR memorial

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Across the Tidal Basin from the FDR Memorial is the circular

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

The Jefferson Memorial in Washington

which commemorates the third US President.

Smithsonian

Founded by the wealthy Englishman, James Smithson, the Smithsonian Institute comprises of an extensive collection of museums, libraries and archives.

recovering from "museum leg" I gratefully rest on this park bench.

After spending several hours in the Air and Space Museum we relaxed in the Smithsonian Castle gardens.

Georgetown

is a genteel suburb west of the city. 

Washington Harbour in Georgetown

 

 

 

Washington Harbour on the Potomac River

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Potomac River in Georgetown

 

 

The gentle breeze off the river made for a nice stroll along the promenade.

 

 

 

 

My impressions of Washington, D.C.

Watch this digital story of this stately capital rather than party city. It last 4 minutes with musical accompaniment.  (You'll need Windows Media Player to watch it.)

Watch now 5.5 MB

Favourite restaurants in Washington

  • I Ricchi
    Wonderful Italian restaurant in the lively Dupont Circle.  We appreciated the European style of service i.e. - not a fast food place.
     
  • McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant
    We first discovered this restaurant chain in Chicago and really enjoyed the wide selection on the menu. The Washington restaurant was just as good and they do a great fish and chips.
     
  • Ruth's Chris Steak House
    Upmarket chain specialising in steaks and large portions.

Check out my recommendations for other restaurants I have enjoyed visiting whilst on holiday around the world.

See more holiday photos.